When is the best time to see an Arribada in Costa Rica in 2023?

It is that time of year again, our yearly Arribada update! So when is the best time to see an Arribada in Costa Rica in 2023? Before we get deeper into that, let’s talk about this amazing show of nature. For those who have not heard an arribada, also known as a mass nesting event, is a phenomenon that occurs in some species of sea turtles, in which large numbers of females come ashore to lay their eggs in a single location. This typically occurs at night and can involve thousands or even tens of thousands of turtles nesting over a several day period.

In Costa Rica, arribadas are most commonly associated with the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle, which is one of the most abundant sea turtle species in the world. Costa Rica is home to several important nesting sites for the Olive Ridley, including Playa Nancite in the Santa Rosa National Park, and Playa Ostional in the Ostional National Wildlife Refuge.

Visitors to Costa Rica may have the opportunity to witness an Arribada if they visit one of these nesting sites during the appropriate season. However, it is important to note that sea turtle nesting is a protected activity in Costa Rica, and visitors should only observe the turtles with the guidance of a trained and authorized guide. Let your C.R. Referrals Travel Planner know you want to try and see an Arribada on your Costa Rica adventure!

Turtles nest during the darkest nights of the month, you want to be in the area around a new moon. They are most active in the green/rainy season.  Ostional is the best area for an arribada in Costa Rica. In 2023 the new moon falls on the following days each month.

January and February are not great months for an Arribada, but the Olive Ridley Sea Turtle does nest year round and there is in fact an Arribada happening right now! Activity can still be witnessed on the darker nights of the month.

Like January and February, March and April are okay months for an Arribada, turtles are still nesting in the area in smaller numbers.

As we get into the start of the Green/Rainy season, Turtle nesting activities start to increase. The further we go into the rainy season the more activity and in turn greater likelihood of seeing an Arribada. Arrive sometime the week before the new moon.

Looking at the darkest nights, you want to be in position in the Ostional area on July 14th or 15th, and staying through the new moon. Or arriving on or around August 13th and staying through the new moon. These are the ideal nights for mid year in 2023.

Some of the best months are September and October. The time to be in the Ostional area are the week leading up to the New moon, September 10th and on Oct 10th.

Your last months to see and Arribada in 2023, arrive sometime the week beore the new moon to increase your chances.

Nature is always hit or miss, but with careful planning you can increase your chances to witness a true wonder of nature. Contact us to start planning your customized Costa Rica adventure!